Megatrends more relevant than ever

Global Shifts and Digitization

Population growth and an accelerating shift of wealth, most notably in emerging
economies, are creating a more urban, prosperous and connected world – as well as huge
resource and cultural challenges. These changes are influencing global demand, the way
people live and how they interact. Urbanization and prosperity are promoting dietary
changes and increased spending on housing, transport, lifestyle and energy. New
technology is impacting societies and their behavior, while ‘big data’ presents
companies with new challenges as well as opportunities to optimize processes and to
tailor solutions.

Climate and Energy

Scientists agree that climate change is influenced by human activity. Coordinated
international efforts are urgently needed to reduce fossil-fuel dependencies and bring
down levels of greenhouse-gas emissions in support of the COP21 objectives. This is
accelerating the adoption of renewable energy and the use of more sustainable chemicals
and materials in the transition to the (bio-) renewable age and the low-carbon economy.
This will also increase attention for the circular economy concept. Besides the focus on
bio-based materials and re-use, efficiency remains important as customers look to create
more sustainable value chains with lower energy use, less waste and pollution and
through higher yields.

Health and Wellness

A growing, aging and increasingly prosperous population seeks to improve its well-being
and increase longevity. At the same time, people in the developing world, especially
children below the age of three, continue to face a daily struggle for adequate
nutrition. There is a growing need to address core health issues, whether through
nutrition, medicines or lifestyle improvements, especially in emerging economies. In the
West, healthcare costs are rising and access to quality nutrition is also growing in
importance, with nutrition deficiencies on the rise. Demand is growing for safer and
healthier solutions.